Got Something in Your Eye? Here’s How to Get It Out.

Your eyes are a vulnerable duo. They’re open all of your waking hours and are susceptible to innumerable invaders. Your natural inclination is to rid your eyes of any foreign matter. There are right and wrong ways to remove it, depending on the pollutant. The correct way is crucial to your vision.

At the office of Evanston Eyecare, we are experts at helping our customers with their eye health as well as choosing the eyeglasses and contact lenses that are right for them. We will scrupulously evaluate the wellbeing of your eyes and patiently answer all of your questions. Your care and comfort are our top priorities. 

Here are some irritants and the proper ways to remove them. 

Chemicals: Household items such as dishwashing detergents, bleach, fertilizers, toilet cleaners and nail polish remover are dangerous. Immediately rinse your eyes with saline solution or cool water for at least 15 minutes. Then call the experts at a local poison control center or the national hotline (800-222-1222). They’ll tell you how to proceed. If they say to head to an emergency room, bring the chemical’s container along so the doctors will know its ingredients. 

Mucus or pus. It can turn into an uncomfortable crust and result from conjunctivitis, allergies, a cold or a blocked tear duct. Split up the crust by applying a warm (not hot!), wet washcloth to your closed eye for about 10 minutes. Remove the goo by lightly skimming your closed eye with a warm, damp cotton ball or washcloth corner. Repeat with fresh cotton balls or washcloth corners until the gunk is gone. Note: Wash your hands before and after.

Dirt or debris. Softly pull your upper eyelid down until it hangs over your lower eyelashes and blink a couple of times. The resulting tears will flood out the irritant. Or, flush your eye with lukewarm water from a sink. If you can see the irritant floating on your eyeball, a gentle swipe with a moist tissue could do the trick. Rubbing will only shove the debris deeper into the eye. 

If the object has pierced the surface, let an emergency room’s medical professionals remove it. Don’t delay medical care if you are in pain, have persistent discharge, or struggle to see or open the eye. 

Evanston Eyecare’s team is made up of friendly professionals who are eager to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the very best in optical treatment. We have earned the trust of all of our clients and look forward to earning yours. For more information about our business and how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to stop in or call us to schedule an appointment.

By Evanston Eyecare

February 22, 2022